PARALYMPIAN Tanni Grey-Thompson showed support for others with mobility problems at the launch of a new centre yesterday.

Ms Grey-Thompson, who lives in Redcar, east Cleveland, officially launched and became patron of Middlesbrough's Shop Mobility, on the first floor car park of the Hill Street Centre.

The centre, funded by Captain Cook Square, Royal and Sun Alliance, The National Lottery and other local and national agencies, provides wheelchairs, power chairs and electric scooters to enable people of all ages to access town centre facilities.

Volunteer shopping escorts are also available to help those with mobility problems.

The scheme, which began on November 1, is designed to provide a service which was previously lacking.

Chairwoman of Shop Mobility in Middlesbrough, Barbara Wren, said: "Our aim is to offer a really professional and accessible service that Middlesbrough can be proud of."